Town puts brakes on police chases after deadly crash

HAMDEN, Conn. (AP) — Officials in Hamden are calling for changes in the police department's policy on vehicle pursuits.

A 25-year-old man died and several others were injured on New Year's Day when an SUV being chased by police crashed into two other vehicles.

Mayor Curt Leng tells the New Haven Register that police chases should only occur when absolutely necessary. Leng and the town's acting police chief are recommending that officers only be allowed to pursue suspects wanted for violent felonies or who pose an immediate public safety threat.

The Jan. 1 incident began with police in North Haven pursuing a stolen SUV. Hampden officers became involved in the chase that ended with the fatal crash.

In August, Hamden police chased a car into New Haven where it crashed. A suspect in the vehicle died.